After another great year of rugby at DU, the banquet provided the perfect end of year celebration, with over 120 people in attendance it was our largest banquet to date. The event was the perfect opportunity to reflect on good memories, recognize the graduating seniors and current players as well as get glimpse into the future of the club. This year’s banquet, which was hosted in the Magilone Hall of the International Studies Sie Complex on campus, was another example of the growth within the program.

First off the event was hosted by the newly founded Alumni Board, which not only helped make the whole weekend an exciting event for everyone involved, but also helped turn the event into one of the club’s biggest fundraisers of the year. The eight members of the board have worked to provide a structure for alumni, parents, friends and family to come together and support the growing program. This weekend merely highlighted their success and support of the club. Special thanks to Jason Hornik, Jace Jackson, Gabe Bram, Franky Sowers, Pat Callahan, Trever Hanson, Chris Nebenzahl and Michael Gestal for working behind the scenes to plan out the event. The board recognized Landan Banks as the MVP of the Alumni Game and John “DJ” Grunbeck won the award for furthest travelled.

Additionally, the Men’s side was joined by the women’s program as both teams came together to celebrate the women’s inaugural season as a club. All fifteen women involved in the club were recognized with awards and a special thanks to Tracy Curtis and Eleanor Burks for speaking on behalf of the women’s side. The success of the women's program in the short amount of time that they have been around is a clear indication that they will continue to grow the DU rugby legacy in the years to come.

On the Men’s side all graduating seniors were recognized for their commitment and contributions to the club throughout their time at DU. Joseph Murdy, Dylan Lindamore, Conor Cavanor, Darreon Schwartz, Alexios Therianos, Dan Cruwys and Michael Gestal will all be graduating and leaving the program, but as they crossed over to the alumni side they demonstrated that they will continue to support DU Rugby in the future. A number of other players were also recognized for their contributions to the club:

Most Valuable Freshman Forward - Jack Carmone
Most Valuable Freshman Back - Cameron Ure
Most Improved Player - Eric Deubler
Club Man - Michael Bulen
Wrecking Ball - Felipe Martinez
Most Valuable Forward - Michael Gestal
Most Valuable Back - Louie Bogolub
Most Valuable Player - Brandon Wright
The Mike Wright Heart & Soul Award - Ben Jones

On top of all this the club is expecting to double the attendance of the banquet next year as they celebrate the big 50th year anniversary of the club, which was founded back in 1968. Make sure to keep an eye out for special events and new ways to support the club.